MarkyG82

Probably a triple square spline bit. You can get kits for not loads of money which I would suggest over getting a single bit. I made this mistake then a couple of months later needed a different size so ended up with a set anyway.

I knew someone would come along with sense. So as it stands there are still no LED replacements for H* bulbs that are road legal in the uk regardless of any LED specific info being omitted from the MOT specs.

It does seem that LED bulbs that are correctly marked to cover the right standards would be ok. From memory one of the main issues with HID conversions is the lack of washers as they were used to reduce the heat. LEDs produce heat in a much different way so the washers are not the limiting factor. This does seem to be an area that is changing regularly and maybe needs a line in the MOT specs to cover certified LED conversions. I would agree that from a technical viewpoint if the LED has the light source in the correct position and the cooling is sufficient then there should be an issue.

Its does have dsg which is a first for me. I guess the ability to change when you want with a manual is a big part of it. Like I said I have always managed to get good mpg from other cars using pretty much all you mentioned above. Its a 6dsg (dq250) and tops out around 2.2-2.3k @70 which is on the high side. I'm sure the old 1.9 5sp manual did around the same even though it had 1 fewer gear. It's not like I still need to get used to it either as I've had it nearly 3 years. Maybe I should be looking at a manual 245 rather than dsg as the replacement.

I find the easiest way to improve vision with halogen lights is to turn on fog lights. Not strictly legal with no fog but at least you don't have any issues come MOT time.

@shyVRS245 is there a specific one thing that you do to get good economy? Although I don't tend to drive carefully during the week (as my commute is too short and I like to get the heat into the tdi to limit the dpf issues), I still struggle to get it over 50 on a run and have always managed to get good mpg on previous cars. Average on my old mk2 1.9 was pushing 60mpg. Current car is around 46 for a 2.0 tdi 150 remapped. Not great for a supposed economic car.

Yes.

In cold climates where they extend down the grille....yes. To protect a show level car from chips....yes. Anywhere else......no.

Softer would be my guess too. At least I have the option of selling the car standard, lowered or with both sets.

Thanks TMWNA. Mostly as expected then. The insert it a poly one. Do they still deform like the ali/steel ones? I know the recommended tdi poly inserts are a different hardness to petrol versions but couldn't remember if they were softer or harder. I'll look them up and see what it says. So springs might not work. Probably better to get the correct kit from the start. Many thanks.

Planning on changing to a 245 estate from my TDI elegance estate. Have a few bits that I'd like to carry over: 1) Pedal box. Pretty confident this will swap over with the related reset. 2) Wind deflectors. Are the windows the same size/shape from pfl to FL? Ie. Will they fit? 3) I have both shape dogbone inserts as I didn't know which to get. Will one of them fit the 245 or are the petrol variants a different design to tdi? 4) prokit springs. I have this set ( E10-79-010-04-22 ). A site I found says they fit a vrs TDI and a 2.0 TSI. No info offered for vrs tsi. Would they fit? I still have the original springs off the TDI so could put them back on and use the prokit setup on a 245 if correct fitment. 5) similar to 2). Carshades blinds. Same window size/shape? Could be a few weeks/months till I'm ready to buy so just wanting to get ready. Will start to strip the bits off the old car in the next few weeks.

I'd say as a minimum you ask for the investigation by the dealer to be recorded against the car so if the front shocks fail you have a chance of getting it (and any knock on damage) repaired under warranty even if out of cover period.

Good result and nice replacement. I had a 54 plate in the same spec and it went to 170k. Bought at 68k and remapped around 120k. I do miss it as it was a much more solid build than the mk3 I have now.

There was a topic somewhere discussing this. From memory, the springs are the same as standard height 4x4 models, the shocks are the same as standard height and vrs models. The extra height comes from spacer in the front top mount and taller tyres. Not sure where the additional height comes from at the rear but it is probably a similar spacer setup. If it were me the wheels and tyres would be the starting point to reduce the sidewall. Then look at roll bars which I would assume the same as you that they are the same as standard MQB offerings. After that lowering springs. The order depends on your priority of performance vs looks. I'd imagine the standard superb setup is similar in rolling circumference to a scout so you could start there. Then maybe some wheel spacers to widen the track a bit?

That's a good enough reason 👍 Be interesting to see how it turns out. You thinking of doing anything to the rear suspension? Chassis wise that is probably the weakest point. If you manage to get the big brakes on the car should stop v well with the lower weight.

As @nidza said. Why? Upgrade the pads (and maybe discs) with stickier versions. The bigger setup on a car with lower weight is not needed and may even make the car handle worse due to the extra rotating mass. If you are aiming to track the car maybe a race tuning garage/forum would be a better place to ask?

Or... new car aren't being built so the demand for young used goes up driving up the price.

Agreed. The carbon bits in the cabin are real nice touches. Not too fussed about the buttons on the screen as I mainly use Android auto and control the volume at the wheel. A fully specced sel (VC, heated screen etc) comes in under the 40k tax bump so with both cars sporting DCC and the same power train they are probably on a par. Does the sportline plus have bigger brakes? It kind of doesn't matter now though as I have almost made up my mind that I am going down the used TSI route. The depreciation on even a plug in would be too much so I am going to swap my oil burner in for a used 245 or sportline plus and get a full ev in 5-6 years when they are more mature.

@shyVRS245 I'm a little off actually getting anything as waiting for finances to be right. It does look good though. I think I have given up looking for a new build as the depreciation would be too much. Can't see it being an easy task selling an ice car in 5-6 years time. Even a phev. So I'm thinking a used 245 is up the top of the list followed by a 190/220 sportline and a 280/272 sportline. Main reason for the beast to be in 3rd is the annual tax. Unless I can find a wagon that was under 40k rrp with DCC and VC 🤞

Thanks both. And @shyVRS245 I get it's caliper that gets in the way (or not in this case) but the disc size does have a big impact on caliper position hence the terminology used. Sorry if it touched a nerve 😉

So just to confirm, standard fit 18s fit over the front brakes of a 245? I have a set of 18s from seat I use as summers currently that might get used on a 245 as winters. I read a review that says the front discs on a 245 were to big for 18 which was a contributing factor for 19s. But then some online data suggests 18 is a standard option. Confused much.

Having just used a plug kit to temporarily repair a nail hole near the sidewall I will absolutely keep the kit in the car. Was very easy to use and much more capable than a can of gunge. Looking at trading my TDI in for a superb iv so no space for a spare. The consensus on here seems to be to get a spare from dealer or eBay.

I guess I asked the question at the wrong time. Any answers from the weekend audience?

My argument woulkd also be that a fabia (even an estate) is not comparable to a mazda 6. They are world apart in terms of size and performance. If you are happy with it then that is ok but I think you are doing the right thing in requesting a refund.

Read @SashaGrace thread. Everything you need is in there.